A spreading fungal disease is threatening to wipe out tens of thousands of oak trees in the state of Michigan, prompting the formation of a new task force to curb its spread.

The Oak Wilt Coalition, led by the Arborculture Society of Michigan, is aimed at raising awareness of the destructive potential of oak wilt and methods of preventing its spread. Others in the coalition include the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan State University, ReLeaf Michigan, and electric utilites and tree care companies.

The disease has been confirmed in most of the Lower Peninsula and in the western portion of the Upper Peninsula.

The disease is lethal to many oak species, particularly red oaks, pin oaks and black oaks. It can be transmitted by insects moving to fresh wounds on trees, including those caused by pruning. The fungus also can spread through root systems, causing death of nearby oak trees.